transgress

verb

trans·​gress tran(t)s-ˈgres How to pronounce transgress (audio)
tranz-
transgressed; transgressing; transgresses

intransitive verb

1
: to violate a command or law : sin
2
: to go beyond a boundary or limit

transitive verb

1
: to go beyond limits set or prescribed by : violate
transgress divine law
2
: to pass beyond or go over (a limit or boundary)
transgressive adjective
transgressor noun

Examples of transgress in a Sentence

He who transgresses must seek forgiveness. There are legal consequences for companies that transgress the rules.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Failing to notify Congress before making major changes to the agency may have transgressed the Administrative Procedures Act, and freezing money appropriated by Congress for foreign aid could be in violation of the Impoundment Control Act. Anna Maria Barry-Jester, ProPublica, 9 Feb. 2025 From the beginning, alongside the rules for building in the style of the ancients, Renaissance architects set forth rules for transgressing them. Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025 In the 1940s, these short films set to music transgressed Hollywood’s racial mythology to create space for Black artists to experiment—and have fun. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 31 Jan. 2025 What emerges in 2025 is a chilling message to everyone about not transgressing proscribed gender roles. Chase Strangio, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for transgress 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French transgresser, from Latin transgressus, past participle of transgredi to step beyond or across, from trans- + gradi to step — more at grade entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transgress was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near transgress

Cite this Entry

“Transgress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transgress. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

transgress

verb
trans·​gress tran(t)s-ˈgres How to pronounce transgress (audio)
tranz-
1
: to go beyond limits set by : violate
transgress divine law
2
: to pass beyond or go over a limit or boundary
3
: to violate a command or law
transgressive adjective
transgressor noun
Etymology

from early French transgresser "to transgress," from Latin transgressus, past participle of transgredi "to step across or beyond," from trans- "across, beyond" and gradi "to step"

Legal Definition

transgress

transitive verb
trans·​gress tranz-ˈgres, trans- How to pronounce transgress (audio)
1
: to go beyond limits set or prescribed by : violate
2
: to pass beyond or go over (a limit or boundary)

intransitive verb

1
: to violate a law
2
: to go beyond a boundary or limit

More from Merriam-Webster on transgress

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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